Eyeglasses

ABSTRACT

Eyeglass assemblies include an eyeglass lens having an engaging portion. The junction between the body portion of the lens and the engaging portion can consist essentially of smoothly curved surfaces. The engaging portion can be extend from the periphery of the lens or can be a recess in the lens. In some assemblies, under typical conditions of use, the engaging portion is maintained in contact with an eyeglass frame member by means of a removable bonding member (RBM). Under selected atypical ambient conditions, the RBM changes so that the engaging portion and the frame member can be separated. The RBM can be a suitable adhesive (RBA), or a component composed of a shape memory metal (RBSMA) or a material which softens when subjected to heat or other atypical condition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/668730,filed Nov. 5, 2012. Application Ser. No. 13/668730 is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 12/083140, filed Jul. 28, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.8,322,849 issued Dec. 4, 2012. Application Ser. No. 12/083140, is anapplication under 35 USC 371 of International Patent Application No.PCT/US 06/037433, filed Sep. 27, 2006. International Patent ApplicationNo. PCT/US 06/037433 claims priority from U.S. provisional applicationNo. 60/724,186, filed 6 Oct. 2005, and from U.S. provisional applicationNo. 60/817,228, filed 27 Jun. 2006. This application claims priorityfrom each of applications Ser. No. 13/668730, 12/083140, PCT/US06/037433, 60/724186 and 60/817228. The entire disclosure of each ofapplications Ser. Nos. 13/668730, 12/083140, PCT/US 06/037433, 60/724186and 60/817228 is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to eyeglasses.

2. Introduction to the Invention

Conventional eyeglasses include a bridge member which rests on the noseof the wearer; two rims which are secured to the bridge member and towhich the lenses are secured; and two temple members which are securedto the rims and rest on the ears of the wearer. In many cases, each rimhas an opening therein, so that the lens can be placed within the rim,after which the open ends of the rim are secured together by means of ascrew which passes freely through an aperture in a lug in one of theopen ends into a threaded recess in a corresponding lug in the otheropen end. U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,775 discloses an improved system forattaching optical frames and lenses which provides positive, reversibleattachment without rims, cords or screws. In that system, an eyeglasslens including at least one shaped engaging portion cooperates with anattachment member so that the lens is removably attached to an eyeglassframe. The attachment member can comprise a separate member which isconnected or connectable to the eyeglass frame, or it can be an integralpart of the eyeglass frame. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4, 895,438, 4,896,955,6,523,952 and 6,843,561 also disclose improved eyeglass frames, some ofwhich make use of a member composed of a shape-memory alloy (oftenhereinafter abbreviated to SMA) and/or a lens including a shapedengaging portion. The entire disclosure of each of the five U.S. patentsreferred to above is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first discovery of the present invention is that, in an eyeglassassembly, an engaging portion on an eyeglass lens can be maintained incontact with an eyeglass frame member by means of a removable bondingmember (RBM) which

(a) contacts the engaging portion and the frame member; and

(b) under typical conditions of use of the assembly, maintains theengaging portion and the frame member in direct or indirect contact witheach other; and

(c) under selected atypical ambient conditions, undergoes a change whichseparates the engaging portion and the frame member, or permits theengaging portion and the frame member to be separated from each other bypulling them apart manually.

The contacts referred to above between the engaging portion and theframe member, between the RBM and the engaging portion, and between theRBM and the frame member, can be direct or indirect contacts.

The terms “eyeglass frame member”, “frame member” and “frame” are usedherein to include temple members, bridge members, and auxiliary membersto which a temple member or a bridge member is, or can be, secured. Suchmembers can for example be composed of a metallic and/or polymericmaterial.

The term “removable bonding member” (often abbreviated to RBM) is usedherein to denote a bonding member having characteristics (a), (b) and(c) of the first discovery of the present invention as defined above.

The term “selected atypical ambient conditions” is used herein to denoteany condition which

(i) is not present during the typical conditions of use of the eyeglassassembly,

(ii) when applied to the RBM, causes the RBM to undergo a change whichpermits the engaging portion and the frame member to be separated fromeach other by pulling them apart manually, or which causes the engagingportion of the frame member to separate from each other, and

(iii) does not involve the use of external mechanical force to changethe physical configuration of the RBM, the engaging portion or the framemember, e.g. does not involve the turning of a screw or the mechanicalopening of a latch.

The selected atypical ambient conditions preferably do not have anyadverse effect on at least one of the eyeglass lens and the framemember. As indicated by the word “selected” in the term “selectedatypical ambient conditions”, different RBMs may require, or respondmost desirably to, different atypical ambient conditions. However thoseskilled in the art will have no difficulty, having regard to their ownknowledge and the disclosure herein, in selecting suitable atypicalambient conditions which will produce the desired result.

In some embodiments of the invention, the engaging portion on theeyeglass lens is an integral part of the lens, in which case the lenscomprises (a) a body portion having a periphery, and (b) an engagingportion near the periphery. In other embodiments, the engaging portionis distinct from, but permanently secured to, the eyeglass lens.

As further described below, the RBM can for example comprise

(1) an adhesive which lies between and contacts the engaging portion andthe frame member, and whose adhesive strength is reduced by the selectedatypical ambient conditions; such an adhesive is referred to herein as aremovable bonding adhesive (often hereinafter abbreviated to RBA);and/or

(2) a member comprising a component which comprises an SMA and whichchanges shape when exposed to the selected atypical ambient conditions;such a member is referred to herein as an RBSMA; and/or

(3) a member comprising a component which melts, or whose physicalstrength is otherwise reduced, under the selected atypical ambientconditions; such a member is referred to herein as an RBS; and RBS canfor example comprise a component composed of a solder or othercomposition which melts when heated.

A second discovery of the present invention is that it is useful toreduce the stresses in an engaging portion of an eyeglass lens,particularly when the engaging portion is an integral part of the lens.

A third discovery of the present invention is that it is useful to shapean engaging portion of eyeglass lens so that it has few or no stressrisers, particularly when the engaging portion is an integral part ofthe lens.

A fourth discovery of the present invention is that the conventionalscrew fitting for securing the open ends of a rim surrounding a lens canbe replaced by a fitting which comprises a removable closing member(RCM)

(d) which contacts the open ends of the rim and which, under typicalconditions of use of the eyeglasses, maintains the open ends in aposition which retains the lens in a desired position, and

(e) when subjected to selected atypical ambient conditions, undergoes achange which permits the open ends to be separated from each other bypulling them apart manually.

In this specification, the term “removable closing member” (oftenhereinafter abbreviated to. RCM) is used to denote a closing memberhaving characteristics (d) and (e) of the fourth discovery of theinvention as defined above. The definition given above for “selectedatypical ambient conditions” is also applicable to the fourth discoveryof the invention, but applying it to the RCM rather than the RBM.

As further described below, the RCM can for example be an RBA, an RBSMA,or an RBS. In some embodiments, the RCM does no more than securetogether the open ends of the rim, in which case the eyeglassesgenerally include conventional temple members secured to the rim. Inother embodiments, the RCM provides an additional function, e.g. is atleast part of a temple member. For example, the RCM can be an auxiliarymember to which a temple member is, or can be, secured; or the RCM canbe the terminal portion of a temple member which is monolithic or whichcomprises a plurality of parts which are secured together.

A fifth discovery of the present invention is that an eyeglass lens canbe removably attached to an eyeglass rim by means of an adhesive which

(f) contacts the periphery of the lens and the eyeglass rim, and which,under typical conditions of use of the eyeglasses, prevents the lens andthe rim from being pulled apart manually, and

(g) when subjected to selected atypical ambient conditions, undergoes achange which permits the lens and the rim to be separated from eachother by pulling them apart manually.

The adhesives which are useful in this discovery are the adhesives whichare referred to above as RBAs, and the selected atypical ambientconditions of those which are useful with RBAs.

A sixth discovery of the present invention is that an engaging portionon an eyeglass lens can be attached, preferably removably attached, toan associated eyeglass frame member by means of a suitable physicalinterlock between the engaging portion and frame member, without theneed for a removable bonding member. For example, the eyeglass frame canslide into a recess in the engaging portion, or vice versa, or in someother way, an interference fit can be provided between the eyeglassframe and the engaging portion such that the engaging portion and framemember cannot be pulled apart under typical conditions of use of theeyeglasses, but can be pulled apart by pulling them in a direction whichis unlikely to occur under typical conditions of use and/or bysubjecting them to selected atypical ambient conditions which change theinterference fit. In this discovery, the different coefficients ofthermal expansion of different materials, e.g. a metal frame member anda polymeric engaging portion, can be utilized to assist in assemblingand/or disassembling the engaging portion and frame member.

A seventh discovery of the present invention is that an engaging portionon an eyeglass lens can be removably attached to an eyeglass framemember by means of magnetic forces such that the lens and the framemember (i) under typical conditions of use of the eyeglasses, aremaintained in contact with each other, but (ii) can be separated byatypical mechanical conditions (i.e. conditions which involve theapplication of mechanical forces which are not present under typicalconditions of use of the eyeglasses), thus providing a “breakaway”characteristic which can be desirable, for example in eyeglasses used insporting activities.

An eighth discovery of the present invention is that an engaging portionon an eyeglass lens can be removably attached to an eyeglass framemember by a retractable mechanical lock, e.g. a spring-loaded pin whichextends from the frame member into a corresponding recess in the lens,or vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which arediagrammatic and not to scale, and in which

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an example of an eyeglass lens,

FIGS. 2 and 3 are partial plan and front views of an example of anassembly comprising an eyeglass lens and an eyeglass frame member,

FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of an example of an assembly comprising toeyeglass lenses and an eyeglass frame member,

FIGS. 5-21 are perspective views of assemblies comprising an eyeglasslens and a frame member,

FIG. 22-26 are perspective views of the open ends of a rim for aneyeglass lens, and

FIGS. 27 and 28 are partial front and cross-sectional views of aneyeglass rim and a lens fitted in the rim.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the Summary of the Invention above, the Detailed Description of theInvention below, and the accompanying drawings, reference is made toparticular features of the invention (including for example components,ingredients, elements, groups, ranges, method steps etc.). It is to beunderstood that the disclosure of the invention in this specificationincludes all appropriate combinations of such particular features. Forexample, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of aparticular discovery, a particular aspect, a particular embodiment, aparticular claim, or a particular Figure, that feature can also be usedin connection with other particular discoveries, aspects, embodimentsand Figures (except where the context excludes that possibility), and inthe invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used hereinto mean that other elements (i.e. components, ingredients, steps etc.)are optionally present. For example, an assembly “comprising” (or “whichcomprises”) components

A, B and C can contain only components A, B and C, or can contain notonly components A, B and C but also one or more other components. Wherereference is made herein to a method comprising two or more definedsteps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order orsimultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), andthe method can include one or more other steps which are carried outbefore any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, orafter all the defined steps (except where the context excludes thatpossibility). The term monolithic is used herein to denote an articlewhich has the same composition throughout and in which any internalinterfaces have substantially disappeared.

This specification incorporates by reference all documents referred toherein and all documents filed concurrently with this specification orfiled previously in connection with this application, including but notlimited to such documents which are open to public inspection with thisspecification.

A first preferred aspect of this invention is an eyeglass assemblycomprising

(1) an eyeglass lens including an engaging portion;

(2) an eyeglass frame member; and

(3) an RBM as defined above.

A second preferred aspect of this invention is a method of making anassembly according to the first aspect of the invention, the methodcomprising

(A) positioning the engaging portion, the frame member, and a precursorof the RBM adjacent to each other; and

(B) after step (A), converting the precursor of the RBM into the RBM,thus securing the engaging portion and the frame member to each other.

Step (B) can involve (i) merely leaving the assembly at room temperaturewhile the precursor is converted into the RBM, and/or (ii) subjectingthe RBM to a treatment which causes, or accelerates, conversion of theprecursor into the RBM, for example exposure to ultraviolet light orother electromagnetic radiation, and/or heating or cooling.

A third preferred aspect of this invention is a method of disassemblingan assembly according to the first aspect of the invention whichcomprises subjecting the RBM to selected atypical ambient conditions,and separating the engaging portion and the frame member by pulling themapart manually.

A fourth preferred aspect of this invention is a monolithic eyeglasslens which is composed of a polymeric composition and which comprises abody portion and an engaging portion at least a part of which has beensubjected to a treatment to relieve stresses. An eyeglass lens accordingto the fourth preferred aspect of the invention can be used in any way,including but not limited to the first, second and third aspects of theinvention set out above, the sixth preferred aspect of the invention setout below, and the attachment arrangements and methods set out in theU.S. patents incorporated by reference herein.

A fifth preferred aspect of this invention is a method of making aneyeglass lens according to the fourth aspect of the invention, themethod comprising subjecting a monolithic eyeglass lens which iscomposed of polymeric composition and which comprises a body portion andan engaging portion to a treatment which relieves stresses in at leastpart of the engaging portion.

A sixth preferred aspect of the invention is a monolithic eyeglass lenswhich is composed of a polymeric composition and which comprises a bodyportion and an engaging portion which is substantially free ofconfigurations which are stress risers. An eyeglass lens according tothe sixth preferred aspect of the invention can be used in any way,including but not limited to the first, second, third, fourth and fifthpreferred aspects of the invention set out above, and the attachmentarrangements and methods set out in the U.S. patents incorporated byreference herein.

A seventh preferred aspect of the invention is an eyeglass assemblywhich comprises

(1) an eyeglass lens,

(2) a rim which holds the lens in place and which comprises two openends, and

(3) an RCM as defined above. An eighth preferred aspect of the inventionis an eyeglass assembly which comprises

(1) an eyeglass lens having a periphery, and

(2) a rim to which at least part of the periphery of the lens is securedby means of

(3) a removable bonding adhesive (RBA)

-   -   (a) which contacts at least part of the periphery of the lens        and at least part of the eyeglass rim, and which, under typical        conditions of use of the eyeglasses, prevents the lens and the        rim from being pulled apart manually, and    -   (b) which, under selected atypical ambient conditions, undergoes        a change which permits the lens and the rim to be separated from        each other by pulling them apart manually.

A ninth preferred aspect of the present invention is an assemblycomprising

(1) an eyeglass including an engaging portion, and

(2) an auxiliary member which is permanently secured to the engagingportion.

The auxiliary member can be, for example, a frame member, a nose pad, asupport for a nose pad, an attachment member for a clip-on lens, or asupport for an attachment member for a clip-on lens. The seventh aspectof the invention can make use of any eyeglass lens as defined, includingbut not limited to an eyeglass lens according to the fourth, fifth orsixth aspect of the invention set out above, or a body portion and/orengaging portion as set out in U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,775 incorporated byreference herein.

A tenth preferred aspect of the present invention is an assemblycomprising

(1) an eyeglass lens comprising

-   -   (a) a body portion having a periphery, and    -   (b) an engaging portion near the periphery;

(2) an attachment member which is removably secured to the engagingportion, the attachment member of being one or more of a nose pad, asupport for a nose pad, an attachment member for a clip-on lens, or asupport for an attachment member for a clip-on lens.

Other preferred aspects of the invention include (1) methods ofdisassembling assemblies according to the seventh and eighth preferredaspects of the invention which comprise subjecting the assembly toselected typical ambient conditions and separating the lens from therim; and novel lenses and frame members disclosed herein, including, butnot limited to, lenses having engaging portions which comprise recesses,and frame members comprising a body portion and a terminal portion, theterminal portion for example being 0.2 to 1 inch (0.5 to 25 mm) long,and/or having a cross-section which has a different shape than the bodyportion, and/or having a cross-sectional area not more than 90%, forexample not more than 75%, of the cross-sectional area of the adjacentbody portion. The novel lenses of the invention include lenses whichcomprise engaging portions which are in the form of recesses extendingfrom the periphery of the lens into the lens and having one or more ofthe features identified in paragraph (1) (b) below, particularly insubparagraphs (vi)-(ix). Frame members of the invention include framemembers comprising components which will fit into recesses having one ormore of the features identified in paragraph (1)(b) below, particularlyin subparagraphs (vi)-(ix), for example components comprising a ring orpart of a ring of circular or other appropriate shape.

The invention can optionally make use of the features set out above, andthe features enumerated below, insofar as those features are applicableto the different aspects of the invention. The features set out aboveand enumerated below can optionally be present in any combination of twoor more of those features, except when the features are mutuallyexclusive.

(1) Especially in the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred aspectsof the invention, the engaging portion of the lens optionally comprisesone or both of the following features.

(a) It is a member projecting from the periphery, and/or from the front,and/or from the back, of the lens.

(b) It is a recess in the lens. The recess can have one or more of thefollowing features.

-   -   (i) it extends through the thickness of the lens;    -   (ii) it extends from the back of the lens but not through the        front of the lens;    -   (iii) it extends from the front of the lens but not through the        back of the lens;    -   (iv) it is wholly within the lens, so that the periphery of the        lens is continuous;    -   (v) it extends through the periphery of the lens, so that at        most part of the periphery of the lens is continuous;    -   (vi) it extends through the periphery of the lens and does not        interrupt the front or the back of the lens;    -   (vii) the periphery of the recess is smoothly curved, for        example is in the shape of a circle or an oval;    -   (viii) the periphery of the recess comprises at least one        straight section, and optionally at least one smoothly curved        section, for example is in the shape of a regular polygon, e.g.        a square, or a rectangle;    -   (ix) the recess includes a raised central portion; the height of        the raised central portion can be less than, the same as, or        greater than, the depth of the recess; the shape of the edge of        the raised central portion can be the same as, or different        from, the shape of the periphery of the recess; for example, the        cross-section of the periphery can be a regular or irregular        annulus.        (2) Especially in the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred        aspects of the invention, the body portion and the engaging        portion of the lens are monolithic, for example are produced by        machining or otherwise shaping a block of optical material, for        example a polycarbonate or like transparent polymeric material.        (3) Especially in the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred        aspects of the invention, the engaging portion comprises a        member which is permanently secured (including welded) to the        body portion and which projects from the periphery or from the        back or from the front of the lens.        (4) Especially in the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred        aspects of the invention, the engaging portion and/or the frame        member comprises at least one section which can be deformed,        preferably elastically deformed, so that the engaging portion        and the frame member are in contact with each other under        typical conditions of use of the eyeglasses, but are at least        partially disengaged from each other under the atypical ambient        conditions.        (5) Especially in the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred        aspects of the invention, the engaging portion comprises a        substantially laminar, e.g. substantially planar, surface; the        frame member comprises a substantially laminar, e.g.        substantially planar, surface; and the laminar surfaces are        maintained in contact with each other by a substantially laminar        layer of an RBA between the surfaces, or by an RBSMA.        (6) Especially in the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred        aspects of the invention, the engaging portion and/or the frame        member comprises at least one physical feature which assists in        placing them in a desired position relative to each other, for        example features which permit sliding contact in one dimension        only, and/or which prevent relative rotation of the engaging        portion and the frame member when they are in a desired position        relative to each other; and/or the engaging portion and/or the        frame member comprises at least one physical feature which, when        an RBSMA is used to prevent the engaging portion and the frame        member from being pulled apart manually, (i) assists in the        placement of the RBSMA when the RBSMA is in the form of the        precursor, and/or (ii) assists the correct placement of the        RBSMA as it is converted from the precursor into the RBM,        and/or (iii) maintains the correct placement of the RBSMA after        it has been converted into the RBM.        (7) Especially in the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred        aspects of the invention, the engaging portion and/or the frame        member include physical and/or compositional features which        improve or accelerate the effect of the atypical ambient        conditions. In some exemplary embodiments, the engaging portion        and/for the frame member can include apertures, e.g. channels,        through which fluids, e.g. heated liquids or gases, can contact        the RBM. In other exemplary embodiments, the engaging portion        and/or the frame member is constructed of a material which is        relatively transparent to electromagnetic or ultrasonic        radiation forming at least part of the atypical conditions, or        which is a good conductor of heat, when an increased temperature        is at least part of the atypical conditions.        (8) Especially in the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred        aspects of the invention, the frame member comprises (i) a        temple member which has a free end for locating it on a user's        head, or (ii) a bridge member having a first end which is        secured to an engaging portion of a first lens and a second end        which is secured to an engaging portion of a second lens.        (9) Especially in the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred        aspects of the invention, the frame member extends a short        distance from the lens and comprises means for securing it, for        example means comprising a hinge, to a temple member which        locates the frame on a user's head.        (10) Especially in the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred        aspects of the invention, the frame member is an attachment        member substantially as described in one of the U.S. patents        incorporated by reference herein.        (11) Especially in the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred        aspects of the invention, the engaging portion has at least one        dimension which is relatively small adjacent to the periphery of        the lens and relatively large remote from the periphery of the        lens, for example is generally mushroom-shaped in one dimension        (12) Especially an the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred        aspects of the invention, the engaging portion is substantially        as described in one of the U.S. patents incorporated by        reference herein.        (13) Especially in the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred        aspects of the invention, the lens comprises a plurality of        engaging portions.        (14) Especially in the first to sixth, ninth and tenth preferred        aspects of the invention, the junction between the body portion        and the engaging portion consists essentially of smoothly curved        surfaces.        (15) Especially in the aspects of the invention using an RBM,        the RBM is an RBA. In some exemplary embodiments, the RBA has        one or more of the following characteristics.

(i) It shrinks by less than 10%, preferably less than 3%, particularlyless than 1.5%, by volume and/or linearly, when it is converted from theprecursor to the adhesive (since excessive shrinkage of the adhesive oncuring can induce stress in the engaging portion and/or the framemember); and/or

(ii) It is known to those skilled in the art for bonding fiber-opticcomponents; and/or

(iii) It is a one part adhesive or a two-part adhesive; and/or

(iv) It adheres to both metals and polymeric materials, for example to ametal frame member and a polymeric engaging portion; and/or

(v) As a precursor, it comprises 15-40% e.g. 19-30%, of an aliphaticamide, e.g. an amide similar to that having CAS No. 2680-03-7, 10-30%,e.g. 14-25%, of a high boiling acrylate or methacrylate, 0.5-6%, e.g.1-4%, of a photoinitiator, e.g. a photoinitiator similar to that havingthe CAS number 947-19-3, 30-55%, e.g. 35-46%, of a urethane acrylicoligomer, and 5-30%, 9-18%, of a vinyl monomer

(vi) It is one of the adhesives available from Dymax Corp. under thetrade name Ultra Light-Weld 3094 Series; and/or

(vii) It comprises a polymeric matrix and, distributed in the matrix, amaterial, for example a particulate material, e.g. a ferrite, whichgenerates heat when exposed to selected electromagnetic radiation, e.g.ultraviolet radiation; and/or

(viii) It is applied to only part of the contacting or adjacent surfacesof the engaging portion and the frame member, for example to less than70% or less than 50%, e.g. 10-60%, of the area of those surfaces, forexample is applied to surfaces which are most rapidly affected by theatypical ambient conditions

(16) Especially in the preferred aspects of the invention making use ofatypical ambient conditions, the atypical ambient conditions compriseone or more of

(a) a temperature greater than 50° C., for example 50 to 150° C., 50 to100° C., or 60 to 90° C.;

(b) immersion in a liquid, for example a heated liquid, which may be anaqueous liquid which is free of organic materials; an organic liquidwhich is free of water and other inorganic materials; or a mixedaqueous/organic liquid;

(c) immersion in a bath of heated solid particles, e.g. a bath of heatedsalt particles;

(d) exposure to electromagnetic radiation outside the visiblewavelengths; and

(e) exposure to ultrasonic radiation.

(17) Especially in the preferred aspects of the invention, the RBM orRCM comprises a member composed of an SMA which has a first shape as aprecursor and a second shape in the eyeglass assembly, and which isconverted by the atypical ambient conditions into a third shape (whichmay be the same as or different from the first shape).(18) The RBM is an RBSMA which is selected so that the frame member willseparate from the lens (in the first preferred aspect of the invention)or the RCM will permit the rim to open and release the lens (in theseventh preferred aspect of the invention) when the eyeglasses aresubjected to atypical physical deforming forces, thus providing a“breakaway” characteristic which can be desirable, for example ineyeglasses used in sporting activities.(19) In the aspects of the invention using an RBM, the RBM is an RBSwhich comprises a matrix and, distributed in the matrix, a material, forexample a particulate material, e.g. a ferrite, which generates heatwhen exposed to selected radiation, e.g.

ultraviolet radiation, and (iii) loses physical strength when exposed tosaid selected radiation. Such an RBS, or any other RBS, can be anadhesive, but need not be an adhesive. If it is not an adhesive, or ifits adhesive strength is low, then the engaging portion and the framemember are preferably shaped so that they define a chamber between themwhich is filled by the RBS so that the RBS provides a mechanical lockwhich, under typical conditions of use of the eyeglass assembly, preventthe engaging portion and frame member from being pulled apart manually.

(20) In the seventh preferred aspect of the invention, the open ends ofthe rim comprise location members which help to guide the open ends intoa desired position before or while the RCM is put in place.(21) In the seventh preferred aspect of the invention, one or both ofthe open ends comprises a physical feature which, when the RCM is anRBSMA, assists in the placement of the RBSMA when the RBSMA is in theform of the precursor and/or assists the correct placement of the RBSMAas it is converted from the precursor into the RBM, and/or maintains thecorrect placement of the RBSMA after it has been converted into the RBM.(22) In the seventh preferred aspect of the invention, each of the openends comprises an aperture, and the RCM comprises

(i) an RBSMA which enters the apertures as a precursor and is thenconverted into an RBM which secures the open ends together; theprecursor can for example be a pin which comprises an SMA and which isrelatively straight and long, and which is converted into a coil whichis relatively short; or

(ii) an RBA or an RBS which enters the apertures as a precursor and isthen converted into an RBM which secures the open ends together; theprecursor can for example be a rigid pin, composed for example of ametal or a polymeric composition, which is at least partially coatedwith a precursor for the RBA or RBS; the pin can for example be composedof a material which enhances the efficiency of the atypical conditionsand/or be constructed to enhance the efficiency of the atypicalconditions, e.g. be composed of a material which transmits a selectedwavelength of electromagnetic radiation.

(23) In the seventh preferred aspect of the invention, a part of the rimis a wire.(24) in the fifth preferred aspect of the invention, the treatment whichrelieves stresses in at least part of the engaging portion comprisesheating the engaging portion, for example with a hot air gun or byimmersing the engaging portion in a hot liquid bath, e.g. a hot saltbath of the kind that is often available in premises supplying and/orfitting eyeglasses to users. The treatment can for example be carriedout

(a) before the engaging portion is secured to a frame member, in orderto relieve stresses induced in the engaging portion by the method usedto shape the engaging portion and/or to secure it to the body portion ofthe lens; and/or (b) after the engaging portion has been secured to aframe member or to an auxiliary member, in order to relieve (i) stressesinduced in the engaging portion by the method used to shape the engagingportion and/or to secure it to the body portion of the lens (insofar asany such stresses have not been removed by a treatment as in (a)),and/or (ii) stresses induced in the engaging portion by securing theframe member or auxiliary member to the engaging portion.

(25) In the eighth preferred aspect of the invention, the RBA extendsover the whole of the junction between the lens and the rim, or overonly a part of the junction (for example 20-80% of the length of thejunction), and can be, for example, in the form of a single continuouslength, or a relatively small number, e.g. 4-8, of relatively longlengths, or a relatively large number, e.g. 10-20, of relatively shortlengths. (26) In the eighth preferred aspect of the invention, the rimextends around only part of the periphery of the lens, for example30-60% of the length of the periphery.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals areused to denote the same or similar components, FIG. 1 is a partialperspective view of a lens 11 having a body portion 111 and an engagingportion 112 which is integrally connected to the periphery of the bodyportion and is substantially free of configurations which are stressrisers. FIGS. 2 and 3 are partial plan and front views of an assemblycomprising a lens as illustrated in FIG. 1 and a frame member 2 having aterminal portion 21 which is secured to the engaging portion 112 by alayer of adhesive 131. FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of an assemblycomprising a lens as illustrated in FIG. 1, a similar second lens 12having a body portion 121 and an engaging portion 122, and a framemember 2 having terminal portions 21 and 22 secured to the engagingportions 112 and 122 respectively.

FIGS. 5-12 are partial perspective views of assemblies comprising a lens1 having a body portion 111 and an engaging portion 112, and a framemember 2 having a corresponding terminal portion 21. In some of thesefigures, the frame member 2 comprises a temple member 25 which issecured to the frame member 2 by a hinge 24. The assemblies shown inFIGS. 5-12 make use of an RBA which is not shown in the Figures, butwhich is coated onto at least some of the to-be-contacted surfaces. FIG.5 shows channels 213 on the frame member, and FIG. 11 shows a channel113 on the engaging portion, these channels serving to permit release ofexcess adhesive if the adhesive is coated on the channel-bearingsurfaces, and/or to provide access for heated fluid and/or radiation inthe atypical ambient conditions.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show frame members comprising a ring 21 which fits intorecess 112 in the edge of lens 11 shown in FIG. 15, and can be securedtherein by an RBA between some or all of the contacting surfaces. FIG.16 shows a frame member comprising a ring 21 which fits into recess 112in the edge of lens 11 shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18, and can be securedtherein by an RBA between some or all of the contacting surfaces. Inalternative embodiments, not shown, the ring 21 is secured by means of aretractable mechanical lock, e.g. a spring-loaded pin which extends fromthe frame member into a corresponding recess in the lens, or vice versa.

FIGS. 19-24 show assemblies in which the terminal portion 21 of theframe member 2 is secured to the engaging portion 112 of the lens bymeans of a generally C-shaped RBSMA 31 which in FIG. 19 recovers tocause the elastic deformation of the terminal portion 21 into contactwith the engaging portion 112, and in FIGS. 20-21, recovers to causeelastic deformation of the engaging portion into contact with theterminal portion 21. Shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 are ridges 114 which areengaged by the RBSMA as it recovers.

FIGS. 22-26 are partial perspective views of the open ends 41 and 42 ofa rim for a lens. Each open end has a lug 411, 412 extending radiallyfrom it. For clarity, FIGS. 22-26 do not show the lens, and FIGS. 22-25do not show the temple member which would normally be attached to one ofthe open ends 41 and 42. FIG. 22 shows locating pin 422 on the lug ofthe end 42 and corresponding locating recess 411 in the lug of the end41. To secure the lens, an RBA precursor (not shown) is placed on one orboth of the opposed surfaces of the lugs, and the opposed services arepushed into contact with each other. In FIG. 23, the lug 421 has acollar 424 which guides the lug 411 into the desired position, and whichoptionally has a base. To secure the lens, an RBA precursor (not shown)is placed on the side surfaces of the lug 411, and the lug 411 is pushedinto the collar 424 to a selected depth. Channels 4113 on the sidesurfaces of the lug 411 permit release of excess adhesive if theadhesive precursor is coated on surfaces adjacent to the channel-bearingsurfaces, and/or provides access for heated fluid in the atypicalambient conditions. In FIG. 24, each of the lugs has a hole 4111, 4211passing through it, and the lugs are secured together by means of a pin33, at least a part of which is composed of an SMA. The pin 33 has afirst, relatively straight, shape as a precursor, so that it can passthrough the upper hole 4111 and into, and optionally through, the lowerhole 4211. However, when the pin is subjected to selected conditions, itadopts a second shape in which there is an interference fit between thepin and at least the lower hole 4211 and optionally between the pin andthe upper hole 4111. FIG. 25 is similar to FIG. 18, except that the lugsare secured together by means of a pin 51 which consists of an RBA orwhich comprises a substrate, e.g. of a polymer or a metal, and an RBAwhich is coated on at least part of the shaft 511. FIG. 26 is similar toFIG. 22, except that the lugs are secured by means of a generallyC-shaped RBSMA 31 which is one end of a temple member 32. Thus, as notedabove, in FIGS. 22-25, there is a conventional temple member, not shown,attached to the end 41 or the end 42, but in FIG. 26 the conventionaltemple member is replaced by a temple member secured to the RBSMA.

FIG. 27 is a partial front view, and FIG. 28 is a partialcross-sectional view, of an eyeglass assembly comprising a rim 4 towhich a lens 111 is attached by a layer of an RBA 131.

1. An eyeglass assembly which comprises (1) an eyeglass lens which (a)is composed of a polymeric composition, and (b) comprises a body portionhaving a periphery and an engaging portion which (i) is integral withthe body portion, (ii) extends from the periphery of the lens, or fromthe front of the lens, or from the back of the lens, and (iii) has nostress risers, (2) an eyeglass frame member which is attached to theengaging portion of the eyeglass lens; wherein the junction between thebody portion and the engaging portion consists essentially of smoothlycurved surfaces.
 2. An eyeglass assembly according to claim 1 whereinthe engaging portion extends from the periphery of the lens.
 3. Aneyeglass assembly according to claim 2 which comprises (3) a removablebonding member (RBM) which (i) under typical conditions of use of theassembly, maintains the engaging portion and the frame member in director indirect contact with each other, and (ii) under selected atypicalambient conditions, undergoes a change which separates the engagingportion and the frame member, or permits the engaging portion and theframe member to be separated from each other by pulling them apartmanually.
 4. An assembly according to claim 3 wherein the RBM comprisesa removable bonding adhesive (RBA) which lies between the engagingportion and the frame member, and whose adhesive strength is reduced bythe atypical ambient conditions.
 5. An assembly according to claim 3wherein the RBM comprises a component which comprises a shape memoryalloy (SMA) and which changes shape when exposed to the atypical ambientconditions.
 6. An assembly according to claim 3 wherein the RBMcomprises a solid component which melts when heated under the atypicalambient conditions.
 7. An assembly according to claim 6 wherein the RBMcomprises a solder.
 8. An assembly according to claim 6 wherein thesolid component is not an adhesive.
 9. An assembly according to claim 8wherein the engaging portion and the frame member are shaped so thatthey define a chamber between them which is filled by the solidcomponent so that the solid component provides a mechanical lock which,under typical conditions of use of the eyeglass assembly, prevents theengaging portion and the frame member from being pulled apart manually.10. A method of making an assembly according to claim 3, the methodcomprising (A) positioning the engaging portion, the frame member, and aprecursor of the RBM adjacent to each other; and (B) after step (A),converting the precursor of the RBM into the RBM, thus securing theengaging portion and the frame member to each other.
 11. A method ofdisassembling an assembly according to claim 3, the method comprisingsubjecting the RBM to selected atypical ambient conditions, andseparating the engaging portion and the frame member by pulling themapart manually.
 12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the atypicalambient conditions comprise one or more of (a) a temperature of 50 to100° C., (b) immersion in a heated liquid, (c) exposure toelectromagnetic radiation outside the visible wavelengths, and (d)exposure to ultrasonic radiation.
 13. A method according to claim 11wherein the atypical ambient conditions comprise immersion in a bath ofheated solid particles.
 14. A method of making an eyeglass lens which(a) is composed of a polymeric composition, and (b) comprises a bodyportion having a periphery and an engaging portion which (i) is integralwith the body portion, (ii) extends from the periphery of the lens, and(iii) has no stress risers, the method comprising shaping the junctionbetween the body portion and the engaging portion so that the junctionconsists essentially of smoothly curved surfaces.
 15. An eyeglassassembly which comprises (1) an eyeglass lens which comprises a bodyportion and an engaging portion, and (2) an eyeglass frame member whichis removably attached to the engaging portion by a retractablemechanical lock.
 16. An eyeglass assembly according to claim 15 whereinthe retractable mechanical lock is a spring-loaded pin which extendsfrom the frame member into a corresponding recess in the engagingportion.